Walking in Sardinia

Fly to Olbia and transfer to the Hotel S'Adde in Dorgali. (1h 30 min)

Day 2

We start with an orientation walk, talking an old path that winds around
Monte Tului (916m) and offers some of the best views of the Gulf of Orosei to
one side, and the mountainous interior around Dorgali on the other. The walk
should take around 5 hours.

Day 3

On our drive above the Flumineddu Valley, we enjoy the sweeping views before
our arrival at the Gorropu Gorge - also known as the 'Grand Canyon of
Europe'. Its high, narrow, vertical walls reach 200 metres making it the
deepest and roughest natural gorge in Europe. Over millions of years, the
Flumineddu River has eroded the landscape to create the incomparable natural
beauty of the gorge. We can appreciate it in all its glory during our walk,
which takes around six hours. There is a chance to paddle on the river if
conditions allow. This evening, there is the opportunity to enjoy dinner in a
restaurant in Dorgali centre - payable locally. 

Day 4

We begin with a drive to the site of the Giants Tomb, the Sardinian
megalithic gallery grave that was built during the Bronze Age by the Nuragic
civilization. We then continue on to the site of the Serra Orrios, one of the
most famous of the Nuraghe villages. The Nuraghes, cone tomb-like towers
positioned around the island, are the symbols of Sardinia and of its unique
ethnicity. The Nuragici people, who built these towers, are considered the
most accomplished, yet mysterious civilisation in the Mediterranean. We
explore the archaeological complex of Serra Orrios with its circular huts
dating back to the Bronze Age. After this, we have time for a quick coffee
stop before driving on to Cala Orsala. This is one of the most beautiful
beaches on the island, surrounded by rocks, pinewoods and lush Mediterranean
scrub. Weather permitting, we will have lunch on the beach. Next up is a
visit to the 'Grotta degli Ispinigoli' home to the longest
stalactite-stalagmite column in Europe. We finish the day with a visit to a
wine factory (cantina) for wine tasting and a short talk about the local
wines.

Day 5

Today is free to explore the archaeological sites of the Dorgali region, take
an optional self-guided walk or simply relax by the beach and enjoy the
leisurely Sardinian lifestyle. Horse riding can also be arranged for you
(price and all the details to be agreed locally with the hotel);
alternatively, you can take an optional wonderful boat trip to Bue Marino
Grotto (weather permitting).

Day 6

The Nuragic village of Tiscali is fascinating, and not much is known about
its origins, nor the people that lived there. It does seem that is was
populated even before the Nuragic era but archaeologists put its main period
of activity as between the 2nd and 1st centuries B.C.

The dwellings are virtually invisible until you are at the vast cavity in
which they are built. This has led some to postulate that people moved back
here to hide from the Romans.

We also visit Su Gologone, described as a ‘natural masterpiece’, the
result of karst being sculpted by rushing water as it exits the gorge. The
water is tinged green or blue, depending on the angle of the sun and an
astonishing 500 litres of water per second come crashing out of the chasm
into this mini oasis.

Day 7

We start the day with a boat trip to Cala Luna, one of the most beautiful
beaches in the Mediterranean. Here there will be time to explore the large
caves and, as this is a popular spot for rock climbing, we may get to see
some enthusiasts put their skills to the test. The walk back to Cala Gonone
taks us through a vast forest and along deep gulleys, with occasional views
of the coast. At the end of the walk at Cala Gonone we will have time for a
very welcome drink and the opportunity for a swim before we return to
Dorgali.

Day 8

Transfer to Olbia airport; fly to London.
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